
The League
8:00 p.mFebruary 7, 2026
Regular season – 23
Real Arena
Referee: José Luis Guzmán Mansilla, Spain


Royal Society


Elx
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.37
Expected Goals (xG)
1.18
Passing by
225 (76%)
Accurate passes
505 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Alex Remiro
6.9
17
d
Sergio Gomez
6.5
16
d
Duje Ćaleta-Car
7.2
5
d
Igor Zubeldia
6.6
20
d
Alvaro Odriozola
6.7
F
Luka Sucic
24′
18
M
Carlos Soler
6.9
M
Jon Gorrotxategi
15
M
Pablo Marin
6.0
F
Mikel Oyarzabal (C)
37′
M
Gonçalo Guedes
trainer
Pellegrino Matarazzo
13
G
Iñaki Peña
6.2
11
d
German Valera
5.2
21
d
Leo Petrot
7.0
d
David Affengruber
23
d
Victor Chust
6.2
18
d
John Donald
6.3
M
Aleix Febas (C)
16
M
Martin Neto
6.0
M
Grady Diana
20
F
Alvaro Rodríguez
6.5

Classification of the League – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Real Sociedad secured a hard-fought 3-1 win over Elche at the Reale Arena, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s influence instrumental for the home side.
Real Sociedad consolidated their strong La Liga form on Saturday 7 February 2026 by comfortably defeating Elche 3-1 in a thrilling La Liga clash. The home side produced a clinical finish despite having less possession, extending Elche’s winless streak.
Real Sociedad arrived at the Reale Arena in 9th place in the standings, showing good recent form to push up the European standings. In contrast, 13th-placed Elche were under pressure, trying to end a worrying run of poor results which had seen them drop down the table.
The match started with a competitive edge, evident early on when Elche’s D. Affengruber was shown a yellow card in the 7th minute. Real Sociedad quickly took the initiative and pressured their opponents high up the pitch.
His dominance paid off in the 24th minute, when Luka Sucic scored the first goal assisted by Gonçalo Guedes. However, Sucic’s afternoon ended prematurely as he was substituted five minutes later due to injury.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal extended Real Sociedad’s lead in the 37th minute with a well-placed finish, further consolidating control. Elche found a lifeline just before the break, when André Silva made a comeback in the 42nd minute.
The half-time whistle saw Real Sociedad 2-1 up, but Elche’s late goal gave hope. Both teams returned to the pitch knowing that the next goal would be crucial to decide the result.
Real Sociedad thought they had recovered their two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute through P. Marín. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed an offside offence, keeping Elche in contention.
The second half saw a flurry of changes from both benches, with Elx introducing J. Donald and M. Neto in the 55th minute to inject fresh energy. Real Sociedad responded with changes of their own, incorporating J. Ochieng and J. Aramburu.
Elche, despite holding more of the ball, struggled to create clear chances. His frustration mounted and led to further yellow cards for G. Diangana in the 65th minute and G. Villar in the 87th minute.
With the clock ticking down, substitute Orri Steinn Óskarsson snuffed out any lingering Elche hopes. He scored Real Sociedad’s third goal in the 89th minute, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win.
Although Elche dominated possession with 66% to Real Sociedad’s 34%, the home side were more efficient. Real Sociedad’s 2.37 expected goals significantly exceeded Elche’s 1.18 xG, reflecting their clinical advantage. Both teams managed 11 shots in total.
This crucial home win allows Real Sociedad to consolidate their La Liga ambitions. Elche, meanwhile, faces a renewed challenge to find consistency and move away from the relegation zone.

